Day 22 – Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?

I’m not sure what the author of this prompt intended – did she want me to talk about how I traveled or where I traveled. Two very different questions, if you ask me. I’ve pondered both but first, the stats:

Now for the how…There are times when the travel is simply a means to an end. Sometimes the travel is a pain in the a**! As wacky as this is, I remind myself to pay attention to my feet – it slows me down and reminds me to me mindful of those around me. It gives me a sense of place in the midst of rushing. That cranky traveler who is demanding and oblivious to anyone else around them might be flying to say goodbye to a loved one who is dying (been there, done that). That TSA agent is doing their job (even though I’ve encountered a few here and there who seem to have taken their authority to unwarranted levels).

My feet have taken me to holy places – and not just those commonly understood to be holy.

We traveled at Thanksgiving this year and with the concerns around “increased security” we gave ourselves plenty of time to get to the gate (a unique experience for the PDs)! As we entered the security line, an older couple came in behind us and their worried daughter gave them specific instructions, hugged them goodbye and stepped aside. I thought of the countless times I’ve done the same with my mom. I know she is quite capable of getting herself to the gate but worrying nonetheless. I could have ignored this couple. I could have been grateful that they were behind me rather than in front of me (you know what I mean, right?!). Instead, I decided to engage them in conversation and help them through the process. It didn’t take anything away from me and it gave me a holy moment, a sense that I was paying back to whoever has helped my mom through those lines during her trips. Holy moments, indeed.